Deadline: 20-Oct-23
The Biodiversity Investments—Researcher & Accelerator (BIRA) is now inviting applicants for its first Biodiversity Project Accelerator in Africa.
Given the intricacies associated with biodiversity and ecosystems, successful funding for interventions requires a comprehensive approach. That’s where Biodiversity Investments—Researcher & Accelerator (BIRA) comes in. Hosted by the African Leadership University and co-funded by Dalberg and FSD Africa, BIRA aims to enhance biodiversity measurement and cultivate a robust pipeline of investment opportunities in Africa.
BIRA will support select projects in conducting assessments of their, Biodiversity impact and investor readiness and it will help showcase investor-ready projects to potential funders.
Applicants must have Biodiversity Projects in Africa, have completed a business plan or feasibility study and look to attract investors/buyers.
The Complexity of Biodiversity Loss
- Biodiversity and the ecosystem services are fundamental resources and not by-products to be minimized or offset, such as carbon. Moreover, biodiverse ecosystems are not interchangeable with one another.
- Existing measurement frameworks further complicate matters. They lack standardization and are highly technical, leading to reduced credibility, applicability, and usability, and come with high costs. The absence of a clear and consistent measurement methodology makes securing funding for biodiversity conservation a formidable challenge.
A Solution Tailored to Emerging Markets
- To win the trust of investors, emerging frameworks must cater to the specific needs of emerging markets such as Africa. The African Leadership University will ensure that the methodology is relevant to the Global South and iterate on it through on-the-ground testing. BIRA will prioritize investor metrics, ensuring that the framework is user-friendly. Leveraging technology, BIRA aims to complement site-specific measurements, thereby reducing costs and bolstering credibility.
Transforming Biodiversity Investments in Africa
- A standardized approach to biodiversity and ecosystem measurement that addresses existing challenges would support the scaling needed to maintain, restore, and improve biodiversity. In addition, BIRA aims to bring high-quality African investments to market through fundraising for a biodiversity accelerator. Grants will be utilized to identify and support organizations providing comprehensive assessments and monitoring systems to understand the environmental impact of pipeline companies. Further, BIRA will engage investors through the grant which will be used to co-develop financing propositions and facilitate investment memoranda and marketing to promote credits. Through such a structured approach, the funding can prepare project developers to be investor ready whilst developing a pipeline of biodiversity deals in Africa and attract investors to the sector.
For more information, visit Dalberg.